Meath Chronicle – Tom offers hope after cancer diagnosis

Tom Hope.

To mark the beginning of month Movember, a month of awareness of prostate cancer, the Irish Cancer Society called on all men over the age of 50 to take half an hour to discuss with their doctor about prostate cancer.
Every year over 3,300 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer in Ireland, which means that about one in seven men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime. However, with improvements in therapies, the five-year survival rate for prostate cancer is now over 90%.
Kevin O'Hagan, Director of Cancer Prevention at the Irish Cancer Society, said: "Historically, there has been a tendency to make a PSA test for anyone who is worried about prostate cancer or shows some symptoms. National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) recommended that PSA tests not be used as a general screening for prostate cancer but to confirm diagnosis or dictate treatment.
"Instead of sticking to a test, we will strongly urge all men over 50 to just take some time to discuss with their GP. Men over the age of 50 are more likely to suffer the disease and even if they are asymptomatic, it is worth trouble, as early prostate cancer often has no symptoms. "
"We know that sometimes men are late to go to their doctor if they are worried, but prostate cancer is very therapeutic, and the sooner it is detected, the better." That is why men should have annual control, especially if they have a family history of prostate cancer. "
Tom Hope from Dunboyne visited his doctor (at the age of 62) to control his blood pressure and the doctor took a blood sample. About a week later, his doctor reported an increase in PSA reading and referred him to a urologist to revise the readings.
After a biopsy, the urologist confirmed that he had low-grade prostate cancer and Tom, following a discussion with the urologist and his family, decided not to undergo surgery but chose to follow Active Follow-up. This includes regular counseling visits and blood tests, as well as a biopsy every three years to check the condition of cancer.
Tom, who is also a member of the Cancer Men's Cancer Support Group (MAC), added: "I would encourage all men to visit and talk to their doctor about their concerns or concerns each year for the health. This is the first step in taking control of your health. And if there is a case that there is a diagnosis, it is really important to use community patient support groups. I found great comfort and support in meeting and speaking with other men who had been diagnosed and cured for prostate cancer and lived normal life 15+ years after diagnosis. "
"There are a lot of people out there who had cancer and they had a positive effect, especially on prostate cancer, but it's so important to open and talk about the treatment and the side effects – that makes you realize that you are not the only one going through through it, "he concluded.
Now, nine years later, and after two extra biopsies, both of which were clear again, Tom is pleased to report that prostate cancer is under control.
Since 2008, more than 100,000 people have been involved and contributed to the Movember case. Movember Ireland has funded more than 30 prostate cancer initiatives, in collaboration with the Irish Cancer Society, from grants for patients and their families to pioneering research that brought together the research community of prostate cancer to improve outcomes and of the quality of life of seven Irish men who will receive prostate cancer during their lifetime. Sign up now to support men's health, visit Movember.com

To speak to a cancer nurse on any aspect of cancer, contact Cancer Nurseline at Freephone 1800 200 700, send email to [email protected] or leave it at one of the 13 Daffodil Centers in national hospitals. For information on Daffodil Center locations and e-mail hours at [email protected] For more information, please log on to www.cancer.ie